Final Fantasy 16: Negative Reviews Criticize Gameplay Changes and PlayStation 5 Exclusivity

Final Fantasy 16 is receiving negative reviews because it is exclusive to the PlayStation 5 and differs from previous FF entries. Final Fantasy 16, released on June 22, 2023, has received practically perfect reviews from most leading gaming websites since its debut. The most recent installment in the Square Enix franchise has received praise for taking a novel and compelling new direction, surpassing previous entries in the Final Fantasy series.

However, several fans could be more impressed by the extent to which Final Fantasy 16’s creators deviated from the formula of other Japanese role-playing games. Compared to the turn-based battles in Final Fantasy, the action-oriented combat system represented a significant change. Therefore, Final Fantasy fans had to adapt to a significantly different gameplay experience. On the other hand, some consumers believe the product does not qualify as a Final Fantasy game or even a JRPG.

The unconventional strategy of the game has been criticized in Final Fantasy 16 reviews

As of the writing of this article, Final Fantasy 16 holds a Metascore of 88 and a User Score of 7.4 out of 10 on Metacritic. Most of the reviews criticize the changes for having lost its uniqueness and playing more like Devil May Cry than they do like previous installments of Final Fantasy. Final Fantasy 16 has received negative reviews from some customers because it is a PlayStation 5 exclusive. According to one study, the decision to limit Final Fantasy XVI to the PlayStation platform only “has ignited a firestorm of controversy and dismay within the fan community,” this sentiment is quite understandable.

“This effort has ultimately betrayed those who enjoy playing Final Fantasy games. A reviewer stated that the game is not an RPG but an ACT work lacking depth and that it simply learned the fur from DMC5. “In its attempt to evolve as an RPG franchise, FF16 completely loses its identity and consistency,” one player observed. “This is a huge disappointment.” “At one point, it feels like you’re playing a Devil May Cry wannabe game, but then all of a sudden, it shifts into a shallow MMO RPG with laughably dull and outdated side quest design,” the reviewer said.